Tuesday, 18 April 2017

After 22 years, John Terry announces plan to leave Chelsea at the end of this season

John Terry and Chelsea Football Club Monday jointly announced that the
captain will leave the club at the end of the season. Terry has played
for Chelsea 713 times since his debut in 1998, scoring 66 goals. He is
the club’s third highest all-time appearance-maker and has captained
Chelsea a record 578 times.

In his statement announcing his exit at the end of the season, Terry said:

‘After 22 years there is so much to say and so many people to thank at
this great football club. From coaches, team-mates and staff to the fans
who have given me so much support down the years, I can’t thank you
enough. There will be opportunities for me to speak further about this
over the coming weeks'.

He continued to say:

'I will decide on my future in due course, but for now I am committed to
helping the team achieve success this season. 'The club and I have
always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my
playing days. We had some really positive talks but with everything
taken into careful consideration I have decided it's the right time for
me to leave. I’ve always been conscious that I depart at the right time,
in the right way, and I feel that the end of this season is the right
time for the club and I. I feel I still have plenty to offer on the
pitch but understand that opportunities here at Chelsea will be limited
for me. I’m eager to carry on playing and so will be looking to continue
with a new challenge. I will of course always be a Blue and am
desperate to end my final season as a Chelsea player with more
silverware. Finally, words cannot describe the love I have for our
football club and our amazing Chelsea fans. I would like to thank each
and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the unbelievable
support you've shown me over the years.

You mean the world to me and every trophy we've won during my time at
the club we've won together. I will never forget the incredible journey
we've been on. Thank you so much for everything.'

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said:

‘Everyone at Chelsea would like to place on record our thanks to John
for all he has done for this football club. He has been an outstanding
player, inspirational captain and has always demonstrated an exceptional
commitment to the cause. ‘In that time, Chelsea has grown into one of
the world’s top clubs and it is only right that John’s contribution is
recognised. He will always be held in the highest regard by everybody at
Stamford Bridge and we look forward to welcoming him back in the
future.’